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Switching to Renewable Energy: Your Guide to Energy Certificates in New Zealand

Many businesses want to reduce the environmental impact of the electricity they buy. In New Zealand, one straightforward way to do this is through Renewable Energy Certificates (known as NZ-ECs). These certificates let you show that the electricity you use is matched by verified renewable energy generated here in New Zealand.

This guide answers the questions we hear most often from clients, so you can feel confident going into the process.

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What is an NZ Energy Certificate (NZ-EC)??

An NZ-EC is a certificate issued by a 100% renewable electricity generator in NZ. Each certificate represents 1MWh of renewable electricity that has been generated and verified.

When you purchase NZ-ECs, you match the volume of electricity your business uses with an equivalent amount of verified renewable generation. This allows you to report zero Scope 2 electricity emissions under the GHG Protocol's market-based approach.

NZ-ECs don't mean renewable electricity is physically delivered to your building. Think of them as verified proof that the same amount of renewable electricity has been put into the national grid on your behalf.

What is the BraveTrace NZECS system?

The New Zealand Energy Certificate System (NZECS) is the national platform for Energy Certificate (NZ-ECs). It's administered by BraveTrace.

Every certificate in the system has a unique serial number and can only be claimed once which prevents double-counting and keeps the process transparent and auditable.

The system is built around four core principles:

•      Transparency: you can see exactly where your certificates came from

•      Traceability: each certificate is tracked from generator to redeemer

•      Auditability: your carbon auditor or verifier can check the records

•      No double-counting: each MWh can only be claimed by one organisation

What Is a BraveTrace NZECS “Participant”?

A BraveTrace Participant is an organisation that is approved to buy, transfer, and redeem NZ-ECs on behalf of clients within the NZECS platform. MyImprint is an official Participant, which means we handle all the registry activity for you.

We act on your behalf, which is why you need an active BraveTrace account linked to us.

What changed in May 2026? The new flexible transaction period

This is the biggest recent update to the system, and it makes things significantly easier for clients.

Previously, if your financial year didn't line up with BraveTrace's Production Year (April–March), you sometimes had to split your purchase across two separate periods. That's no longer the case.

As of 1 May 2026, BraveTrace has introduced a flexible Transaction Period process. This means:

• You can make a single NZ-EC purchase that aligns directly with your own reporting or financial year.

•  Certificates can be purchased for reporting periods within approximately one year either side of your purchase date.

•  The process is simpler, more flexible, and easier to align with your carbon reporting.

The table below shows which periods you can buy for, depending on when you make your purchase:

Month you want to make the purchase	Period you can purchase Energy Certificates
May 2026	April 2025 – March 2027
June 2026	April 2025 – March 2027
July 2026	July 2025 – June 2027
August 2026	July 2025 – June 2027
September 2026	July 2025 – June 2027
October 2026	Oct 2025 – Sept 2027
November 2026	Oct 2025 – Sept 2027
December 2026	Oct 2025 – Sept 2027
January 2027	Jan 2026- Dec 2028
February 2027	Jan 2026- Dec 2028
March 2027	Jan 2026- Dec 2028
April 2027	April 2026 – March 2028

What Does Having an "Active" BraveTrace Account Mean?

To purchase NZ-ECs through MyImprint, you need an active BraveTrace account. This account needs to be active from the date you want the certificates to be redeemed for, and it runs on a 12-month commitment.

Accounts are invoiced annually, upfront, unless you let us know you'd like to deactivate.

What does MyImprint charge, and what does it cover?

MyImprint charges an administration fee to cover the cost of everything we do to manage the process for you including:

•      Setting up and managing your account

•      Sourcing certificates from renewable generators

•      Negotiating with generators on your behalf

•      Processing redemptions

•      Supporting you through the process and making sure everything is clear.

The administration fee is fixed, it's the same whether you purchase 5 or 20,000 NZ-ECs. We'll confirm current pricing when you get in touch.

How much do NZ-ECs cost?

Certificate prices vary depending on market conditions, available supply, the generation source, and the volume you're purchasing. Smaller volumes can be more expensive due to fixed transaction costs.

Get in touch with us and we can give you a current quote based on your needs.

Is there more to this than just ticking a reporting box?

Yes and this is something we think is worth talking about.

Beyond the emissions reporting benefits, NZ-ECs give you the opportunity to choose which renewable generator you're supporting. Many generators are working towards broader positive outcomes, such as:

•      Living Wage accreditation

•      Equal opportunity employment

•      Local or regional operation

•      Family ownership

If your business has values around community, sustainability, or social impact, you may be able to choose a generator whose story genuinely aligns with yours, giving you something meaningful to share with your clients and stakeholders.

Any claims made should, of course, be substantiated and communicated transparently.

How MyImprint can help

We understand this can feel complicated at first glance. Our job is to make it straightforward. As an official BraveTrace Participant, we handle the registry process from start to finish, so you don't have to log in to any system, track any serial numbers, or figure out which production year applies to you.

Whether you're starting to think about how you can purchase renewable energy certificates or you're ready to go, get in touch and we'll walk you through the next steps.

Book A Chat With Us

MyImprint is an official BraveTrace NZECS Participant. Information in this guide reflects the updated NZECS system as of May 2026, including the new flexible Transaction Period process. Contact us for current pricing and to discuss your reporting requirements.

The information in this guide is provided for general reference only. MyImprint facilitates the purchase and redemption of NZ-ECs on your behalf as a BraveTrace Participant, but we are not responsible for any decisions you make regarding your renewable energy purchases, emissions reporting, or sustainability claims. We recommend you consult your carbon auditor, financial adviser, or legal adviser to ensure NZ-ECs are appropriate for your specific reporting obligations and circumstances.